THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Spain has taken a bold step toward legalising the status of hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants, marking a sharp contrast to increasingly restrictive migration policies elsewhere in Europe. Announced in late January 2026, an extraordinary regularisation scheme aims to grant legal residence and work rights to migrants already living in the country without authorisation—among them many Africans who arrived through irregular routes.
Under a royal decree approved by the cabinet on 27 January 2026, the government will open a time-limited regularisation process expected to benefit around 500,000 undocumented migrants. The initiative is part of a broader strategy by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s coalition to address labour shortages while acknowledging migrants’ contributions to Spanish society.
Who qualifies—and when
To be eligible, applicants (including asylum-seekers) must demonstrate:
- Continuous residence in Spain for at least five months prior to 31 December 2025;
- No criminal record in Spain or in their country of origin.
The application process is expected to open in early April 2026 and close on 30 June 2026. Successful applicants will receive a one-year residence permit with full work authorisation, allowing employment in any sector and region. After the first year, beneficiaries may transition into standard residence categories under Spain’s updated immigration rules. Family members can apply simultaneously, avoiding lengthy reunification procedures.
Why the government initiated the move
The Spanish government frames the policy as both pragmatic and humane. Officials argue that bringing undocumented residents into the formal economy will help fill labour gaps—particularly in agriculture, construction and hospitality—while strengthening social cohesion. Regularisation also expands access to healthcare, housing and social security, and increases tax and social contribution revenues.
At a time when other European states are tightening controls, Spain presents the measure as an integration-focused model grounded in human rights and economic reality.
Opposition parties on the right have criticised the plan, warning it could encourage irregular arrivals or place pressure on public services. Migrant advocates, while welcoming the initiative, caution that documentation requirements and tight deadlines could exclude some of the most vulnerable.
The government counters that the strict residence cut-off ensures the scheme addresses existing residents, not new arrivals.
Why it matters for Africans
Africans are among the groups most affected by irregular migration routes into Spain, often arriving after dangerous Mediterranean crossings. For many who have lived and worked informally for years, the decree offers a rare opportunity for stability: legal work, secure housing, access to services and protection from exploitation.
Spain’s regularisation drive is one of the largest in Europe in decades. Its success—or shortcomings—will be closely watched across the continent, especially by African communities seeking more realistic migration pathways.
Adira Kallo
